Swirled Cinnamon Roll Cake (Printable Version)
Soft buttery cake with cinnamon-sugar swirls and silky vanilla glaze, ready in 55 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cake Components
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 1 cup whole milk
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Cinnamon Swirl Filling
09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
10 - 1 cup brown sugar, packed
11 - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
→ Vanilla Glaze
13 - 1 cup powdered sugar
14 - 2-3 tablespoons milk
15 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.
02 - In a large bowl, beat flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, milk, eggs, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract until mixture forms a smooth, creamy batter. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
03 - Combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a separate bowl. Mix vigorously until a thick, spreadable paste forms.
04 - Drop spoonfuls of cinnamon mixture randomly over the surface of the cake batter. Draw a knife through the batter in circular or zigzag motions to marble the cinnamon mixture throughout.
05 - Bake for 32-38 minutes until cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean without wet batter.
06 - While cake bakes, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until completely smooth and pourable. Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired consistency.
07 - Let cake cool in pan for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle vanilla glaze evenly over the warm surface. Slice into squares and serve while still warm.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- Tastes exactly like cinnamon rolls but without the hours of rolling and waiting for dough to rise
- The glaze sets into this gorgeous crackly finish while the cake stays incredibly moist underneath
02 -
- Resist the urge to cut into the cake immediately, or the glaze will just soak right in instead of sitting prettily on top
- The swirling step is where the magic happens, but gentle figure eight motions keep the cinnamon distinct rather than blended in
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create a finer crumb texture
- A light hand when swirling keeps those gorgeous cinnamon ribbons distinct and visible